Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchase my second dragon and she STINKS!!!!! My first dragon has never had an odor. Is there some type of dragon shampoo, or Beardie Brut? I need help. I can't stand the smell. Is a mild soap or dish detergent safe during a bath?

Khandof

Never done a beardie bath so can't speak from experience, but in the rehab circles uncented Ivory dish soap is considered a nice safe way to clean off offending toxins. I am interested to see what other people have to say 'bout baths. Maybe the ones not to buisy in the chatroom can help pass along some actual knowledge.

Also, and I don't want to seem condescending, this is something you already did before perchasing her, but - have you looked to see if the smell is not just on her. Infections and some diets can change an animals odors. I personaly don't like to smell of mouthrot, but then you have to get close to smell that.
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Russ

A "normal healthy" dragon should not be giving off any type of strong odor such as what you are describing. There are two probably causes of this.

1. The dragon where kept before was kept in a foul smelling unclean cage with a lot of fecies and urine and high amonia smell. The fecies can urine can get into your dragons scales and toenails and is very unsanitary.

2. Parasites. If your dragon has something when he/she goes to the bathroom it can smell quite bad. If it's a new dragon you should seriously consider getting a fecal done especially before introducing it to your other dragon.

I'd try rinsing it off in warm luke warm water and scrubbing any leftover junk on the body and wipe the scales down with some mild soap to see how it works. Just don't get it in the eyes or let it drink it. After that try soaking it in some clean water and disinfect the cage completely. Anything that was on/in the dragon making it smell that bad will still be in the cage.

There are marketed cleaning things you can get but I would try that first as a first step because it can be done right away.

gluck
brandon
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Dragons by Nature

I have only had her a week, and when I bought her her tail was nipped at the tip. It's still in the process of healing, could that be source of the smell? The end of her tail that was bitten was not fallen off yet. Do you think it's rotting away and smelling?

Khandof

No, not very likely. There is always the chance that their is an infection going on.. which could cause problem, but not to the degree of the smell you are talking about I don't think. If the cage where the dragon was that got bit was nasty, an open wound could definitely become infected however and you will want to keep a close eye on that.

I would clean & soak the dragon as mentioned earlier and see how that goes.

brandon
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Dragons by Nature

I think all of the advice you have gotten so far is good. All I would add is that you probably should have a vet check up. I always rec. a vet exam for new pets. Just like when you get a new puppy you go in for a check up, the same logic should be applied to herps. That way you can have a overall physical exam, get a fecal done, and develop a relationship with your vet.

As for baths, I just use warm water and a soft nail brush or toothbrush to scrub any spots that are dirty. Congratulations on your new baby!
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Stacey